Multiple djay Pro for macOS improvement suggestions from 1.5 years of weekly club use
I’ve been DJing every weekend (Friday & Saturday) for many years. I started using Traktor Pro 2 in 2011, and over time upgraded to newer versions, most recently Traktor Pro 3. In total, I’ve worked with Traktor for about 14 years.
For a long time, I wanted to switch to another DJ software, but I never felt comfortable with Serato and I also didn’t like Rekordbox. So for many years, switching was not an option – until I discovered djay Pro. After a short period of testing, I quickly switched completely, and I’ve now been using djay Pro for about 1.5 years.
I’m very impressed with the functions, the interface, and the flexibility djay Pro offers. Another big plus is how quickly Algoriddim delivers updates and implements new ideas. It’s clear that innovation is a priority, which is refreshing compared to my experience with Traktor.
During my time with djay Pro – playing every week in clubs – I have noticed several things that could make the software even better for DJs in real-world situations. These are not just random ideas – they are based on actual use during live gigs, where speed, precision, and workflow matter the most.
1. Sorting like in Apple Music (and Serato)
- In Apple Music and Serato, in the “Songs” view (Apple Music) or under the “Music” category (Serato), the newest tracks are shown at the top by default.
- In djay Pro, in the “Music” section (under Apple Music, above all playlists), it’s the opposite: the oldest tracks appear at the top, and you have to scroll down to see the newest ones.
- Important: This is not about individual playlists – those are displayed correctly, just like in Apple Music. It’s only about the global “Music” section that shows all Apple Music tracks.
- Suggestion: djay Pro should use the same default sorting as Apple Music and Serato, with the newest tracks at the top. This makes it much faster to find fresh tracks during a gig.
2. “Match” function improvement
The Match function is a great idea – but currently, I can hardly use it because it always searches the entire library.
- Most of the time, I’m in a specific genre or set context and want matching tracks only from that playlist, not from completely different genres.
- Suggestion: Add an option to choose whether Match searches only within the currently open playlist or globally across the entire library.
- This way, DJs can decide based on the situation – staying within a genre or going wide. Especially useful for DJs who work with multiple playlists for different events.
3. Artist search icon (magnifying glass)
Next to the artist’s name in the tracklist, there should be a small magnifying glass icon.
- Clicking this icon instantly shows all tracks by that artist in the library, no matter which playlist you are currently in.
- Benefit: You can very quickly load other songs by the same artist without having to manually type in the search bar.
- This saves valuable time and allows for more spontaneous reactions – for example, if the crowd responds well to a particular artist.
4. Fullscreen playlist view via Browse Rotary Encoder
When scrolling through tracks using a Browse Rotary Encoder (such as on a Pioneer CDJ or a DJ controller), moving the encoder should automatically expand the playlist view to fullscreen.
- This would give you a much larger overview of the playlist instead of the small window, without needing to press an extra button.
- Once you press the encoder to load the track to Deck A or B, the view should automatically return to the normal layout.
- This should be optional via MIDI mapping, so each DJ can decide whether to use it.
5. Effects tail-off (Echo/Delay)
Effects like Echo or Delay should not cut off abruptly when a track stops.
- They should fade out naturally, allowing for smoother and more musical transitions.
- This is especially important when using these effects creatively for breakdowns or transitions between songs.
6. Play count display (local vs. iCloud Apple Music bug)
It’s very useful to see how many times a track has been played.
- Currently: In Apple Music/iCloud playlists (red icon with white music note), play counts display correctly.
- In locally stored Apple Music playlists (white icon with red music note), no play count is shown – even though these tracks come from the same Apple Music app.
- Problem: Local playlists often contain a DJ’s most important core music. Without play counts, it’s harder to track which songs have been played most often.
- Suggestion: Enable play count display for locally stored Apple Music playlists as well, identical to iCloud/streaming playlists. This is especially important for DJs with large libraries who sometimes don’t remember track names, but recognize that a song has been played often.
7. Playlist-specific sorting option
When in a playlist (e.g., “Electro” or “House”), you can click on a column header (e.g., Key, BPM) to change the sorting order.
- Currently: This sorting change applies globally to all playlists, which is impractical for DJs playing multiple genres.
- For example: If you sort “Electro” by BPM, you don’t want your “80s” playlist also sorted by BPM.
- Suggestion: Add a setting to choose whether sorting changes apply only to the current playlist or globally to all playlists.
8. Waveform zoom-out
Allow the main waveform in the center to be zoomed out slightly more.
- This makes it easier to see upcoming cue points and prepare for them in time, especially when multiple cue points are set.
- The goal is not extreme zooming out, but just enough to get a better overview and react faster.
I hope these ideas are helpful and clear. They are based on real-world club experience with djay Pro, and I believe they could make the software even more efficient and enjoyable for both professional and hobby DJs.
